Groupama Insurances has announced that Rosemary Whitfield-Jones, one of the insurance industry’s most respected legal professionals will be retiring from her role as Company Secretary and Legal Adviser in October 2009, after almost 20 years with the business.
Rosemary joined the company in 1990 and has overseen many important changes during her long service. She single-handedly introduced the solicitors panel concept into the insurance sector which has been widely adopted across the industry, was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1992 and in 1993 became a lady liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass. Her achievements led to The Lawyer Magazine establishing her into the legal profession’s Hall of Fame in 2007 as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.
Rosemary’s responsibilities as UK Group legal counsel for Groupama Insurances will be assumed by Ben Speers who steps up from his position as Assistant Group Legal Adviser and he will continue in his role as Company Secretary of Groupama’s GUK Broking Services subsidiary. In addition to his existing role of Group Compliance Officer, David Ragan will take on Rosemary’s role as Company Secretary to Groupama Insurances. Both Ben and David will in future report to Paul Picknett as part of a widening of his responsibilities as Corporate Services Director.
Commenting on Rosemary’s impending departure, François-Xavier Boisseau, CEO for Groupama Insurances said; “We have been extremely fortunate to have the benefit of Rosemary’s wise advice and counsel over many years. It goes without saying that we are very sad to be losing her valuable services as Company Secretary and as a trusted and highly respected Group Legal Adviser. We wish her a long and happy retirement”.
“While we are sad to see Rosemary go, we are pleased to confirm the increased responsibilities for Paul, Ben and David. These appointments demonstrate their continued development at Groupama as well as our commitment to maximising the potential of the talent and expertise within our business”.
Rosemary Whitfield-Jones comments “My years in the industry and with Groupama have been both challenging and rewarding. However, I now feel its time to step aside safe in the knowledge that I am leaving the business in very capable hands. Ben and David have precisely the skills and experience to see them prosper in their enhanced roles within the business. It has been a pleasure working with them as well as everyone else in Groupama and I will continue to follow its successes closely.”
